MAINLAND HOPPING

Attica region is dotted with an endless variety of destinations and places of interest to choose from for short trips by car, bus or suburban railway, which promise unexpected discoveries and excitement.

ANCIENT CORINTH & ACROCORINTH

History lovers will enjoy a first acquaintance with mythical Peloponnese within an hour drive from the capital. Start your tour by visiting the site of Ancient Corinth that lies on the northern foothills of the Acrocorinth hill. Admire the impressive Doric Temple of Apollo (540 BC), the Roman Forum, fountains, shops, porticoes, roman baths and various other monuments. Pay a visit to the Archaeological Museum of Ancient Corinth, located within the archaeological site where you can discover several findings from the nearby area.

Up to the hill, visit the Acropolis of ancient Corinth, a monolithic rock overseeing the ancient city of Corinth and discover the traces of the area’s continuous history.

NAFPLIO

Picturesque Nafplio, the first capital of Greece (1829-1834), is a loved weekend destination all year round. The place is ideal for long walks with the pedestrianised town centre and the sites, shops, tavernas, restaurants and cafes being within walking distance from each other. Walk towards the main Syntagma Square, surrounded by century old buildings and explore the outer wall in the church of Agios Spyridonas that still bears the mark of the bullet that killed the country’s first Governor, Ioannis Kapodistrias. Sip your beverage at the cafés on the seaside road where people take their afternoon stroll, enjoy the magnificent sunset and the view of the islet of Bourtzi and its Venetian fortifications.

Put on your most comfortable shoes and climb up the 999 steps that will lead to the entrance of the Palamidi fortress (1714 AD) that offers the most charming panoramic view of the town. You can always hire a taxi to take you to the hill top.

EPIDAURUS

It is one of Greece’s most prominent Archaeological site and its principal monuments, particularly the temple of Asclepius, the Tholos and the Theatre - considered one of the purest masterpieces of Greek architecture – date back to the 4th century BC. The Asklepieion at Epidaurus gained fame throughout the world for its unique healing practices as it was undoubtedly the greatest of the theurgical sites in antiquity. Clear running waters, beautiful natural landscapes and beneficial climatic conditions served to create the ideal place for healing of man with the power of the gods. Visit the theatre, the finest and most renowned of its kind that represents a unique artistic achievement through its admirable integration into the site and the perfection of its proportions and acoustics. Art lovers flock to the theatre every summer to take part in the Epidaurus Festival witnessing ancient drama.

Discover the way the Sanctuary of Asclepius and its various buildings - baths, gymnasium, palestra, stadium and katagogeion (dormitories for patients) functioned and pay a visit to the nearby museum for a holistic view of the site.

DELPHI

Delphi is located 180 km northwest from Athens, on the south slope of Mt. Parnassos. It was believed to be the centre of the earth and the most important religious centre of ancient Greece. According to mythology, this is where the two eagles met after being sent by Zeus to discover the navel of the world. Feel the mystery surrounding the Temple of Apollo where Pythia was giving out her predictions about the future.

Give yourself the chance to see the Castalia Spring with the two monumental fountains, the ancient theatre, the Treasury of the Athenians, the Stadium and the Delphi Museum with the famous bronze Charioteer and the statue of Antinoos.

MYCENAE & TIRYNS

Within less than a two-hour drive from Athens, between two high hills, on a plateau dominating the Argive plain lie the remnants of the Mycenaean civilisation and the kingdom of mythical Agamemnon with its impressive fortress. The myths related to its history have inspired poets and writers over many centuries starting from Homer and great tragedies of the classic period to contemporary literature and art creation.

Pass by the famous Lion Gate, which will take you inside the Acropolis and reach the palace where Agamemnon was murdered by his wife Clytemnestra and her lover, and enter the ‘Treasure of Atreus’, the well-known Tholos tomb with gigantic lintel and tall beehive vault.